BREAKING NEWS: Brian McDermott returns as Reading boss

Exactly six years to the day, Brian McDermott began his first spell as Reading boss and he now returns to the Royals hotseat for a second time to replace Steve Clarke.

The Slough-born 54-year-old grew up very near the city and it is fair to say he is a fans’ favourite after guiding the club (7/2 with Coral for a top six finish) to promotion to the Premier League as 2011/12 Championship play-off winners.

“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Brian back,” co-Chairman Sir John Madejski said. “He was able to win us promotion to the Premier League before and now it is mission to do it again. I’ve always enjoyed working with Brian, he is a great manager and I wish him every success for the future.”

McDermott Knockin’ back on Reading’s Door

McDermott was sacked by Reading after his first spell, but Madejski has decided to bring him back in a bid for promotion again, and has signed a two-and-a-half year deal. They are 14/1 chances to do so.

After being dismissed in March 2013, McDermott was filmed playing a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, but he’ll need to put the guitar aside to get the Royals back to winning ways.

The Berkshire outfit are currently on a run of four straight losses in the league, which has put them down in 13th place and seven points off the play-offs.

McDermott has not managed a team since his departure from Leeds United in May last year, though has spent time with his former club as a player Arsenal, as their chief scout.